4 ways employers can combat stigmas surrounding neurodiversity

Published 2 Min Read

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Despite recent strides in workplace diversity and inclusion, neurodivergent talent still falls short of many employers’ radars. 

An estimated 80% of those who are neurodiverse are unemployed, according to the Harvard Business Review. Conditions like autism, ADHD, dyspraxia and dyslexia all fall under neurodiversity, denoting different ways of thinking, learning, processing and behaving. But it seems employers are still equating different with “bad,” says Martin McKay, founder and CEO of Texthelp, a company that provides organizations with inclusive communication tools. 

Texthelp found that 61% of neurodivergent respondents have experienced stigma or felt misunderstood at some point in their careers. 

“Often, we subconsciously make judgments about others because of existing stigma — it’s part of being human,” says McKay. “Alongside negative stigma around neurodiversity, neurodiverse conditions are often misunderstood.”

Deanna Cuadra
Senior Reporter

Deanna Cuadra is a senior reporter at Employee Benefit News. Her work covers healthcare, U.S. policy and reform, challenges faced by women and parents in the workplace and innovation in work culture … Read full bio


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